Village Water

Christmas, with all it's joy and cheer, can also be a mind field for those trying to shop ethically. With so many companies greenwashing (when companies use clever marketing to convince us their products, services or policies are environmentally friendly) it can take the joy out of gifting.

We know, as individuals and businesses, it's all our responsibility to tackle the climate crisis. And, it's the communities living where our projects are based, in Zambia and Mozambique, who are most at risk of negative impacts caused by the crisis, whilst doing the least to contribute to them. Sustainable safe water at home and school means people don't need to cut down trees for firewood, to purify dirty water collected from streams. Safe water projects don't only mean better health, it means protecting natural resources whilst reducing harmful Co2 emissions. That's a win-win.

So, at Village Water, we try to ensure as much of our work is eco-conscious and ethical, to minimize our impact on the planet and it's people, and that means working with green partners. We've selected some of our favourite products from our shop that will make amazing Christmas gifts. Every item either supports a small business or uses ethical processes or materials. What makes these goodies even better? All profits bring safe water to more people.

Lefrik: Lefrik, based in Spain, design urban bags, backpacks and travel essentials using the highest quality eco-fabrics made out of recycled plastic PET. "We believe that being cool and savvy is not opposed to being sustainable, that’s why we design innovative products that are made avoiding the use more natural resources”, explains Berenice Ruiz, POSITION at Lefrik. www.villagewater.org/lefrik

Teemill: Teemill only use natural materials in their products and renewable energy is used throughout their supply chain. Every product purchased is sent in eco-friendly packaging and your t-shirt, when eventually worn out, can be sent back as part of their recycling scheme. All our tees are designed by young Shropshire artists (where our office is based). www.villagewater.teemill.com/

*Little Ndaba: *Made from ethically sourced, 100% African cotton, these toys are individually crocheted by a collective of over 100 women from small villages across Zambia. Little Ndaba provides women with an essential and dignified source of income, so they can provide for their families. Each of the animals are as unique as the woman that hand makes them - perfect for kids of all sizes. www.villagewater.org/little-ndaba

*Printed Kitenges: *Beautiful multi-purpose African fabric, perfect for wrap-arounds, dressmaking, skirts, handbags, headwraps table cloths and more. These fabrics were purchased from a small market business, during our recent trip to visit our partners in Lusaka, Zambia. www.villagewater.org/kitenge